Rolling Stones leave EMI for archrival Universal

London, July 26 : After 31 years of partnership, the Rolling Stones have left record label EMI and have signed a worldwide, long-term deal with rival Universal.

The band comprising of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts and Ronnie Wood, who have already sold 200 million albums in their career, will be associating their future albums with Universal.

"Universal are forward-thinking, creative and hands-on music people. We look forward to working with them," the Sun quoted the members of the band, as saying.

It is pretty evident that The Stones decided to deviate from EMI, the company, which plans to axe 2000 jobs in the coming year because of the way it is being managed, says Business Editor Ian King.

Many high profile artists like Radiohead, Sir Paul McCartney have left the label ever since private equity firm Terra Firma acquired EMI last year.

ANI